Here's how having pets can benefit senior citizens

It's true: having pets is good for everyone in the fam, including our lolos and lolas.

According to an "Unang Hirit" episode on Tuesday, many senior citizens have become "grandpawrents" in the pandemic, as pets offer not only a daily dose of cuteness, but also warmth and companionship.

Adult psychiatrist Dr. Joan Mae Perez-Rifareal said, "Studies have shown that pets can help improve a person's mood, especially for senior citizens kasi sila 'yung usually mag-isa sa homes o dalawa lang sila."

[Studies have shown that pets can help improve a person's mood, especially for senior citizens because they're the ones usually alone at home or it's just the two of them]

She added, "It can give them the sense of companionship. It can decrease
symptoms of depression and anxiety because it gives them meaning and purpose in their lives."

Perez-Rifareal shared that senior citizens should decide on what kind of pet they should get depending on the senior's capability and age. — Kaela Malig/LA, GMA News